On the fourth day of the World Test Championship final, South Africa faced Australia needing 69 runs with a score of 2-213. They went on to clinch the title, marking a significant triumph that breaks a 34-year drought since last securing a major trophy in 1992, as noted by cricket legend Shaun Pollock during an Amazon Prime broadcast.
After a lackluster performance from both teams in the initial three innings, the pitch at Lord’s favoured South Africa’s batting. Concerns arose in the Proteas camp when captain Temba Bavuma added only one run to the total before being caught off Pat Cummins’ bowling at 4-217. However, Aiden Markram, who had scored a century, maintained his solid performance, though he lost another partner at 4-241 when Tristan Stubbs was dismissed by Mitchell Starc.
Markram’s innings of 136 came to an end just as victory loomed, caught by Travis Head after a delivery from Josh Hazlewood, leaving South Africa needing only six runs. Pollock expressed disappointment for Markram but acknowledged the significance of his innings.
In a tense moment with just one run needed, Kyle Verreynne attempted a risky scoop shot, leading to a near miss when an appeal for caught behind was turned down. Despite lacking reviews, an ultra-edge technology check showed a spike just past his glove. Fortunately for the Proteas, Verreynne squared up to the next ball, driving it through the covers for the winning boundary.
Pollock eloquently summed up the victory as South Africa overcame long-standing challenges, particularly against Australia, a team that has historically been a source of heartache for them. He predicted celebrations would erupt throughout South Africa, a nation long associated with mixed fortunes in tournament play.
South Africa’s cricketing history is marred by instances of near misses in key competitions, often labelled as ‘chokers’. They have reached the ODI World Cup semi-finals five times, with notable instances such as the dramatic tie against Australia in 1999. Similarly, their T20 World Cup journey has been fraught with disappointment, having lost in the final in 2024 and semi-finals in 2009 and 2014. Additionally, their Champions Trophy record includes five semi-final appearances.
The triumph at the World Test Championship final not only brought much-needed relief but also hope to a nation yearning for success on the international stage.